Cost of Living in Winter Gardens, CA

Population 22,003 · California · Data vintage 2023

166
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Winter Gardens run well above the national baseline, with a median of $559,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $94,320 place the city among the better-paid California metros.

Located <5 miles northeast of El Cajon, Winter Gardens falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 12% lower than El Cajon's $633,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 183
Rent 141

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Winter Gardens

The median home value in Winter Gardens is $558,800 — 83% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,855/month, 41% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $94,320/year is 26% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Winter Gardens has a cost of living index of 166 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 66% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$558,800
83% above avg
Median Rent
$1,855/mo
41% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
25.1x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,195
1 BR
$1,241
2 BR
$1,544
3 BR
$2,163
4 BR
$2,556
Owner-occupied 61.6%
Renter-occupied 38.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,855
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,469/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
28.8 min
7% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
14.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.0%
Carpooled
7.7%
Public transit
0.9%
Walked
0.9%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
14.0%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 13.3%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 7.3%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$94,320
26% above avg
Per Capita Income
$40,960
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
21% above avg
Poverty Rate
9.3%
Labor Force Participation
65.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 16.0%
Graduate degree 6.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.5
Male median age 37.4
Female median age 39.2

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 67 — Moderate
16.7%
Good air days/yr
150
Max AQI recorded
151
PM2.5 days
185
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Winter Gardens, CA?

Winter Gardens has a cost index of 166 (100 = national average). It is 66% above the national average.

What is average rent in Winter Gardens, CA?

The median gross rent in Winter Gardens is $1,855 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Winter Gardens?

The median home value in Winter Gardens is $558,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Winter Gardens?

The median household income in Winter Gardens is $94,320 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Winter Gardens, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Winter Gardens is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is Winter Gardens, CA affordable?

Winter Gardens is above average in cost of living, with an index of 166 — about 66% higher than the national average.